Apple's upcoming refreshed iPad mini and next-generation iPad could feature support for the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, according to details shared today by developer Steve Troughton-Smith.
Troughton-Smith has been digging into the latest iOS beta for details on the new iPad models, and he says that all of this information should be taken with a grain of salt because he's not 100 percent sure on the details.
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From what he's found, though, iPad models codenamed J210, J211, J217, and J218 come in two sizes, likely corresponding to rumored iPad mini 5 models and a refreshed sixth-generation iPad, which is said to be getting a larger 10-inch display, up from 9.7 inches.
Both iPad sizes appear to support a Smart Keyboard and Pencil, which makes sense as Apple proved its willingness to offer Apple Pencil support in its more affordable tablets with the launch of the sixth-generation iPad.
The new iPads appear to support Touch ID, so it sounds like the form factors will be similar to the existing models. Apple's iPad Pro models use Face ID, but with both the iPad and the new iPad mini likely to be positioned as more affordable devices, we're expecting Apple to stick with Touch ID.
Rumors have suggested both a new iPad mini 5 and an updated iPad will launch in early 2019, and we've seen signs of them in iOS 12.2 and through registration with the Eurasian Economic Commission. Apple has held a March event for the last several years, so it's possible we'll be seeing updated tablets right around then.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)Still don't understand the market for an iPad Mini, but sure. Sell it if people will buy it.
If I could only have one iPad, I might agree. But I have two, and an iPhone. A mini for more casual times, and a iPad Pro 11 when its time to get serious. And because they all share data seamlessly, I can put down one and pick up the other without blinking.I love the mini for its convenience, portability, and down right just more rugged. It's simple physics, drop a smaller form factor and its less likely to have a problem (F= MxA). It's less likely to bend (less leverage) Or maybe its just psychology. I just know my mini is easier to hold, so consequently I am far more casual with it. Its a good size for reading, the iPhone is just too small for me for a protracted time. So yeah, I tend to plug my iPad Pro in at night and charge it, while I keep the mini next to the bed.
Choice is great. My mini 4 is getting a tad slow.